UGC golfers to contest club champs next weekend

By P Utter

THIS week starts with news which has just come to hand – congratulations to Craig Redfern who, for the second year in a row, won the Nomads Gold Cup C division championships which was played at Beachwood Golf Club in April.

At the same time, Craig won the very prestigious Champion of Champions trophy for 2015. Well done Craig – at this rate we’ll see you in the B division in no time at all.

Wednesday’s competition was the normal individual stableford where visitors Allan Hawkins, Jan Moran and Derek Lotter were warmly welcomed by vice captain, Jimmy Spear at prize-giving. Visitor, Allan Hawkins showed a clean pair of heels when he took the first place with 40 points, followed very closely in second spot by Barrie Taylor who in turn counted out Tony Power into third slot, both on 39 points. In fourth place was Andy Davidge on 38 points with a bunch of players on 37 points, Keith Vergottini, Roddy McGibbon, Sierd Lamminga, Wally Kent and John Thompson.

Saturday was the fourball betterball stableford competition. Club captain, Peter Toward welcomed Derek Lotter to the competition as well as Ian Hankinson and Carin Mackay to the club. Bing is Opie playing masterful golf and with his playing partner Peter Toward, together they managed to score an incredible 50 points to take the first prize. Well done to them both. Trailing a bit were Dave Kemp and Saga Reddy scooping second spot with 48 points with Denise Nell and Mike Cromhout snatching third place from Kuben Naidoo and Dylan Sutcliffe in fourth slot on a count out, both teams on 47 points. The competition was very close indeed and it’s congratulations to all the winners. The jackpot was won by Bing Opie with 12 points – Bing was once again in the prizes by nailing the hidden birdie with Mike Cromhout on the 8th hole. There were three two-clubs, two by Kuben Naidoo on both the fourth and 13th holes and Dudley Pringle had one on the fourth hole as well. Piet Vermaak had already left the club when the attendance draw was done and so it will be carried over to next week. Lindani Mthiyane won the birds in the football draw with Dartford FC.

Next Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 May is the long-awaited and much anticipated club champs. Good luck to all members taking part. Hopefully they all bring their A-game over the weekend – the competition is going to be that fierce. There will be social golf on both Saturday and Sunday (no competition on Saturday) after 11am for those members and visitors who still wish to play golf over that weekend.

The following Saturday, 23 May Umkomaas hosts the Sanlam Cancer Challenge. Do support this worthy cause as all the green fees go to the cancer foundation for research. Everyone knows someone with this dreaded disease, so your support is crucial in making this particular day a success.

A reminder that KidzGolf is still active – Devlyn would love to see more youngsters at the course on Saturday mornings between 8am and 9am. This is an ideal opportunity to see if your child has the aptitude for this great game. For more information, call the club on 039-973-1042.

The ‘Gerry Hatricks’ start their early morning golf at 7.15am – a little later than in usual through the winter months ahead. Contact Graham on 083-325-5705 or Keith on 083-305-5740 as they would love you to join them on Tuesdays and Fridays every week unless otherwise specified.

To any UGC members feeling a little under the weather right now, the club’s thoughts and prayers are with you. Neil Thompson is wished better days ahead – he’s really having a tough time at the moment.

The Sardine Run is gearing up for three days of great golf from 13 to 15 June. There is still limited space left so logon to the website at www.sardinegolf.co.za or follow the links on the club website at www.umkomaasgolf.co.za